DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER, 2007
Ink brush, sprayed ink,
40.9 x 30.7 inches. Private collection
Winston Smith may be an insignificant dissenter in the eyes of the party. Nevertheless, in the course of the novel, it will turn its all-seeing eye on him.
In an old-fashioned-looking store, Winston acquires ink and paper and begins to do what he has almost forgotten how to do: write by hand. He puts his own thoughts on paper; observations, experiences, conclusions. There may be no law forbidding this, but it is intuitively clear to him that this cannot be in the spirit of the party and thus represents a serious "thought crime" - and will automatically be punished like a felony.
He dares to take this step despite the certain knowledge that he will have to suffer unspeakable torture for his non-conformist behavior one day. After recapitulating the course of events of a propaganda film and the automated reaction of a synchronized and fanaticized cinema audience, "Down with Big Brother" are the seminal words Winston wrings from his hand, already completely weaned on writing.